Terry MacDonald

1938 - 2025

 Theresa Marie MacDonald (née Whalen), beloved wife of the late Donald Archibald MacDonald, passed away peacefully in Taber on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the age of 87 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber, on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber, on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. Private burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. 

Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by clicking on the livestream link that will be available on this page at 10:45 A.M. on Friday, August 15, 2025. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.

 Terry is lovingly remembered by her daughter Karen (Peter) MacDonald-Verwer of Stirling; sons Michael MacDonald of Taber and Stephen MacDonald of Lethbridge; daughter Margaret (Scott) Stauth of Calgary and their children, Lindsey (Delmar) Donnelly (their family Sawyer and Charlotte), and Megan (Cole) Geschwendt (his daughter Ava; her children Hudson, Mack, Beau and their father Alex Papadoulis); daughter Joanne (Glen) Mazza of Rocky Mountain House and their family Andrew and Alyse. She is also survived by her siblings Maureen Lohmann of Brooks, Mike (Yvette) Whalen of Red Deer, Pat (Maxine) Whalen of Taber and by their families.

She was predeceased by her husband Don; her parents Leo and Helen Whalen; her sister Carol McIntyre; her brother Tom Whalen and his wife Debbie; her sister Kathleen Andrus; her brother-in-law Elmer Lohmann; her grandson Anthony Mazza and by numerous cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Born in Barnwell on March 9, 1938, Terry was the eldest of seven children born to Helen and Leo Whalen. Terry was raised on the family farm, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family. Terry spent her days helping in the fields and pitching in wherever needed, learning the value of hard work from an early age. The farm wasn’t just a place of labor—it was a home filled with love and laughter.

Terry’s journey took her to Edmonton for work, where she met her husband, Donald MacDonald. They were married on May 17, 1958, and began building a life together. After welcoming their first child, Karen, they relocated to Nova Scotia, where sons Michael and Stephen were born. Eventually, the family returned to Southern Alberta, where daughters Margaret and Joanne were born.

Throughout her career, Terry embraced a variety of roles, from working in different financial institutions to working alongside her husband in an adventure they both enjoyed, selling farm aerial photographs. It was at the age of sixty two that she truly found her professional passion, joining an international consulting firm where she thrived in sales, earning awards and accolades, and forming meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

Family was at the very core of Terry’s life. She poured her heart into her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Terry had a way of making every family member feel loved and valued, and her pride in them was evident in everything they did.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Terry’s name may be made directly to Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N2 www.albertacancer.ca, to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 995 Station Main, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4A4 www.kidney.ca or to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 www.tdhf.ca. These were all causes close to her heart.

Terry’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the following individuals: To Dr. Roxin, your expertise made a significant impact. To Dr. Wong and staff at the Lethbridge Hemodialysis Unit, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your tireless efforts and tender care over the years of her treatment. To the Aides at Coulee Home Care, we cannot thank you enough. You went above and beyond, providing not just care but love and warmth. You became like family to Terry, and to us, and we will forever hold you in our hearts. Lastly, the family would like to thank Dr. Kiared for his extraordinary and compassionate care during Theresa’s recent health challenges. His dedication, kindness, and attentiveness provided comfort not only to Theresa but to her entire family throughout her final months. His support made a profound difference during a difficult time, Terry simply thought the world of him and looked forward to his many home visits.